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Flying with E

Thu, 01/20/2011 - 19:30

Little bit of background first...  My now 13 year old was diagnosed with E on 4/12/2010. Started having seizures every 17-20 days while on Keppra and eventually weaned off and put on Lamictal.  We hit a 5 month stretch with no seizures on Lamictal then on 1/4/2011 he had another one.  His meds are increased every time he seizes including this last time. 

Now to my concern...We are flying from Houston to Chicago for my stepsons Naval bootcamp graduation and I am terrified that the airplane ride will cause a seizure.  Is there any evidence that the altitude change will cause a seizure?  I have so many concerns and questions... what if he seizes on the plane??  Will they make a huge deal and land the plane??  Should I tell them ahead of time, some say no, some say yes...even though I will be with him and know how to care for him??  I'm terrified to put him in the line of fire so to speak, but does this mean that he can't try and live a normal life and hop on a plane?

Has anyone experience my fears??  Help!! 

Comments

Re: Flying with E

Submitted by tonialpha on Thu, 2011-01-20 - 21:10

The fact he is really not changing time zones is great!

I fly all the time.  Has he been in a plane before?

Altitude changes is uncomfortable for someone not familar with taking off or landing.  Bring some gum to chew on for taking off and landing to pop the ears. 

My sister is a flight attendent and they are well aware what to do if a patient is not feeling well.

The flight should be great! Bring a book or games to use on the plane!

Have a great time!

I have asthma and seizures. I have flown to Europe, flown to the east and west coast!  Enjoy the trip!

The fact he is really not changing time zones is great!

I fly all the time.  Has he been in a plane before?

Altitude changes is uncomfortable for someone not familar with taking off or landing.  Bring some gum to chew on for taking off and landing to pop the ears. 

My sister is a flight attendent and they are well aware what to do if a patient is not feeling well.

The flight should be great! Bring a book or games to use on the plane!

Have a great time!

I have asthma and seizures. I have flown to Europe, flown to the east and west coast!  Enjoy the trip!

Re: Flying with E

Submitted by jxland on Thu, 2011-01-20 - 21:26
I have seizures from changes in altitude but still fly usually by myself.  I tell the flight attendants so they know I know what is going on and don't have an ambulance waiting when I land.   I often have one in the air and then one when the plane is landing.  I learned it is easier to inform them than be treated as a disorderly passenger or have to pay for an ambulance ride/emergency room visit.  I vote to let them know that you are there for him but may need a little help - which they are trained to do.  Happy travels!

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